A bird cage size calculator is designed to assist finch owners in determining the ideal cage dimensions for their avian companions.
A pair of budgerigars (budgies), you would input their species and quantity into the calculator. The tool processes this information along with pre-programmed data about budgie requirements, potentially suggesting a minimum cage size of 30 x 18 x 18 inches (76 x 46 x 46 cm) for your two budgies.
Bird Cage Size Calculator
Below is recommended bird cage size chart based on species and their sizes.
| Bird Species | Minimum Cage Size (Length x Width x Height) | Bar Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Finches | 24″ x 18″ x 18″ (61 x 46 x 46 cm) | 1/4″ to 1/2″ (6 to 13 mm) |
| Canaries | 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (61 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/4″ to 1/2″ (6 to 13 mm) |
| Budgies | 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (61 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Cockatiels | 30″ x 18″ x 24″ (76 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ to 5/8″ (13 to 16 mm) |
| Lovebirds | 30″ x 24″ x 30″ (76 x 61 x 76 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Parrotlets | 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (61 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Parakeets | 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (61 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Parrotlets | 24″ x 18″ x 24″ (61 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Cockatiels | 30″ x 18″ x 24″ (76 x 46 x 61 cm) | 1/2″ to 5/8″ (13 to 16 mm) |
| Lovebirds | 30″ x 24″ x 30″ (76 x 61 x 76 cm) | 1/2″ (13 mm) |
| Ringneck Parakeets | 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (91 x 61 x 91 cm) | 1/2″ to 5/8″ (13 to 16 mm) |
| Conures | 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (91 x 61 x 91 cm) | 5/8″ to 3/4″ (16 to 19 mm) |
| Caiques | 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (91 x 61 x 91 cm) | 5/8″ to 3/4″ (16 to 19 mm) |
| Senegals | 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (91 x 61 x 91 cm) | 5/8″ to 3/4″ (16 to 19 mm) |
| Pionus | 36″ x 24″ x 36″ (91 x 61 x 91 cm) | 5/8″ to 3/4″ (16 to 19 mm) |
| Amazons | 48″ x 24″ x 36″ (122 x 61 x 91 cm) | 3/4″ to 1″ (19 to 25 mm) |
| Cockatoos | 48″ x 36″ x 48″ (122 x 91 x 122 cm) | 1″ to 1.5″ (25 to 38 mm) |
| Macaws | 72″ x 36″ x 72″ (183 x 91 x 183 cm) | 1″ to 1.5″ (25 to 38 mm) |
Bird Cage Size Formula
- Width: 1.5 x bird’s length
- Depth: 1.5 x bird’s length
- Height: 2 x bird’s length
Example:
For a cockatiel measuring 12 inches (30 cm) in length:
- Minimum width: 12 x 1.5 = 18 inches (46 cm)
- Minimum depth: 12 x 1.5 = 18 inches (46 cm)
- Minimum height: 12 x 2 = 24 inches (61 cm)
The minimum cage size for a single cockatiel would be 18 x 18 x 24 inches (46 x 46 x 61 cm).
How big should my bird cage be?
As a general rule, the cage should be at least 1.5 times wider than the bird’s wingspan and tall enough for the bird to fully extend its wings without touching the top or bottom. Remember, bigger is always better when it comes to bird cages.
- Species: Larger birds naturally require more space. A macaw needs a much bigger cage than a canary.
- Number of birds: More birds necessitate more space. Always increase cage size proportionally when housing multiple birds.
- Time spent in cage: If your bird spends most of its time in the cage, it should be larger than if the bird is frequently out for supervised playtime.
- Enrichment items: Consider space for perches, toys, food and water dishes, and room for the bird to spread its wings and fly short distances.
- Legal requirements: Some regions have minimum size requirements for bird cages.
How big should a cage be for 4 birds?
- Determine base size: Calculate the minimum cage size for one bird of the species.
- Multiply by bird count: Multiply the base cage volume by 4 for four birds.
- Add extra space: Increase the calculated size by an additional 25-50% to ensure comfort.
Example:
If the minimum cage size for one budgie is 18 x 18 x 24 inches (46 x 46 x 61 cm):
- Base volume: 18 x 18 x 24 = 7,776 cubic inches
- For 4 birds: 7,776 x 4 = 31,104 cubic inches
- Add 25% extra: 31,104 x 1.25 = 38,880 cubic inches
This volume could translate to a cage measuring approximately 36 x 36 x 30 inches (91 x 91 x 76 cm) for four budgies.
Do birds prefer tall or wide cages?
- Wide cages are preferred for most birds, especially those that fly horizontally like finches and canaries. Wide cages allow for more natural flight patterns and exercise.
- Tall cages can be suitable for birds that climb more than they fly, such as parakeets and cockatiels. However, even for these species, a combination of width and height is ideal.
- Rectangular cages often provide a good balance, offering both horizontal space for flight and vertical space for climbing.
Remember that cage shape should mimic a bird’s natural habitat as much as possible. For instance, Amazon parrots would benefit from a wide cage that allows side-to-side movement, while a lovebird might appreciate a taller cage with plenty of climbing opportunities.
What size cage for 6 finches?
- Start with base size: A single finch requires a minimum cage size of about 20 x 20 x 20 inches (51 x 51 x 51 cm).
- Multiply for group: For 6 finches, multiply this volume by 6.
- Add extra space: Increase by at least 25% for comfort.
Calculation:
- Base volume: 20 x 20 x 20 = 8,000 cubic inches
- For 6 finches: 8,000 x 6 = 48,000 cubic inches
- Add 25%: 48,000 x 1.25 = 60,000 cubic inches
This could translate to a cage measuring approximately 40 x 30 x 50 inches (102 x 76 x 127 cm). Remember, finches benefit greatly from horizontal space for flight, so prioritize width and depth over height when choosing a cage shape.
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